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Generation 4
7. Terry Donnell Sharpe
(Married Mary Gertrude Colerider (#8) , 14 December 1910 at Washington, D.C.)
Born: 20 October 1881of Julius Henry Sharpe (#13) and Mary Elizabeth Donnell (#14) at Sharpe Rd., Greensboro, N.C. Photos of Julius Henry Sharpe (#13) and Mary Elizabeth Donnell (#14) are shown below.
Died: 19 September 1957 of a heart attack, buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro, N.C.
[His siblings included:
a) Ernest Perry Sharpe: (Married: Bessie Lavinia Coble, 26 November 1908) Born: 15 May 1879. Died: 17 April 1950, buried at Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensboro, N.C.;
Below: Ernest (oldest brother) and Terry
b) Mary Gertrude Sharpe: (Married 1st: Cleo Burgess, Born Nov. 29, 1886, Died: July 26, 1919, buried at Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, North Carolina, Married 2nd: George Dawson) Born: 21 June 1884. Died: 12 April 1955, buried Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, N.C.;
c) William Henry Sharpe: (Married: Beatrice Styers, May 21, 1913) Born: 13 March 1887 . Died: 10 October 1962, buried at Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, N.C.;
d) Sarah Edna Sharpe: (Married: Eugene McLean) Born: 7 October 1889 (According to her tombstone at Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, North Carolina, she was born in 1890). Died: 1931;
e) Robert Norman Sharpe: (Married: Marie Alexander Vance, 30 June 1931) Born: 7 October 1892 . Died: 21 June 1975, buried at Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, N.C.;
f) Nellie Novella Sharpe: (Married: James F. Jobe) Born: 29 August 1895. Died: 21 November 1962 ; buried at Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensboro, N.C.; (Information about her burial is from her death certificate).
g) Katharine Elizabeth Sharpe: (Married: Grady Putnam) Born: 14 November 1900. Died: 2 June 1957 (reinterred Moriah United Methodist Church Cemetery.)]
At Right: Mary Elizabeth (Terry's mother) posed for this picture with baby Sarah Edna (Terry's sister) (circa 1890). This photograph was in a family photo album in the possession of Evelyn Bumgarner (a Sharpe/ Colerider descendent) on 9 September 2009.
Below: In this photograph (ca 1900) are part of Terry's family. Left to Right: Sarah Edna (Edna), baby Katharine Elizabeth (Kate), Julius, Robert Norman (Norman), Nellie Novella (Nellie), and Mary Elizabeth. The older children: Ernest Perry (Perry), Terry Donnell (#7), William Henry (Henry), and Mary Gertrude (Gerti) are not shown.
The 1900 United States Federal Census for Gilmer Township, Guilford County, North Carolina lists Terry's father (Julius), mother (Mary Elizabeth), and siblings: Julius H. (42), Mary E. (45), Ernest (21), Mary G (5), Henry W. (13), Sarah E. (10), Robert W. (7), Nellie N. (4) and Katie (6/12). Terry D. is 18 on that census. Also listed on this census are the family of Terry's Uncle John and Terry's cousins: John (47), Rebecca S. (42), Mittie E. (22), James A. (19), Charles C. (15), Arthur E. (11), Lillian I. (8), and Annie M. (2).
Below: Terry (left). He is probably in his room at college with a friend.... but this is a guess by Susan Snyder.
Education: Terry obtained two degrees, one from Guilford College, and the other from the University of North Carolina in 1907.
Below: Terry and his horse and buggy.
Below: Terry' School Bell
Employment: Terry was a teacher of
Latin and Math and a principal at Liberty High School. Later, he became
a bookkeeper for Southern Real Estate Agency, making $50.00/ month.
After that, he went into business with Mr. Doggett, selling real estate.
He eventually owned and operated an insurance agency.
Hobbies: Terry liked to work with wood. He made a roll-top desk for himself and tables for the church. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, and listening to the radio. His favorite radio program was “Amos and Andy.”
Miscellaneous: Terry was born in the country on a road he later named Sharpe Road.
He was the 2nd oldest of eight children and had three brothers and four
sisters. As adults, all of Terry’s brothers and sisters except
Kate were farmers. Kate worked in town. Terry was the only one in his
family to graduate from college.
Left: Sharpe Road Home (Click here to see another view of the house)
In June 1908, Terry was attending a Teachers’ Assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina. He stayed a few days after the assembly to see some sights. On June 21st, while walking in a cemetery, he met Gertrude Colereider, a teacher who had also attended the assembly. He and Gertrude began courting.
On November 29, 1909, Terry wrote the following poem titled, “Autumn”
“The autumn days have come once more
With painted leaves the woodlands o’er,
Where golden tints lend us a view
Of nature’s work so grand and true.
No higher type is from above
Of beauty, grandeur, power and love.”
About the same time as he wrote the poem above, Terry wrote another poem titled, “Autumn.”
Autumn
“Every Season hath its pleasures
Filled with varied fruits of time,
Yet the harvest’s golden treasures
Reaped in autumn, ever shine.Though the leaves have done their duty,
And the flowers fade and die,
Still all nature gleams with beauty
As we pass her treasures by.In the time of peace and plenty,
When all cares have ceased and fled,
Think we then of blessings many,
Which upon us have been shed.We learn how lightly, quickly pass
This world and all that’s in it.
Only one in so great mass,
There is not time to lose one minute.Life’s year thus begins and closes,
Days though shortening, still can shine,
Though at times there are no roses
Love is present all the time.”
At some point in time, someone else used calligraphy to write his poem and decorated the borders of the paper with fall leaves. The artist was probably Gertrude.
Some time prior to March 14, 1910, Gertrude sent Terry a copy of “A Woman’s Question" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning that she had copied onto stationary from Hays-Lon Farm, her home.
Terry responded to Gertrude with his own two pages of original poetry:
A Man’s Reply March 14, 1910 Terry D. Sharpe
Of all the things sent from above,
The costliest and most priceless treasure
Is a woman’s heart, her life and love
A gift not compared nor contained by measure.I know that I’ve asked for the dearest life,
The loveliest image in all creation,
Who will be some day a typical wife,
To comfort, to cherish, and dispel vexation.I offer not wealth, nor dash I in haste,
But such as I have, I offer thee,
A life that's pure and without disgrace,
And by thy help I can better be.
Although our days of acquaintance are few,
This is not obstacle, I must admit,
For daily we work with the same end in view,
Learning each other better as occasions permit.My love to thee is exceeding great,
My heart is filled as an ocean wide
With devoted affection that never shall break,
I ask thee to launch on the swelling tide.I know that for me there is plenty of time,
And various excuses you may employ,
But when you say that you are mine,
You make a heaven of bliss and joy.Now will you not give your wonderful love,
Yourself, and your all confide,
There some glad day the angels above
Will deck and adore you- my bride.
Below: Terry courting Gertrude.
On the second anniversary of his meeting Gertrude, he wrote the following four page poem:
Our Second Anniversary
To Gertrude
‘Twas a bright and charming afternoon,
When the heart was young, and blithe, and gay.
As it often occurs in the month of June,
All nature combined for a glorious day.The second anniversary now has come
Of that happy meeting in the city of Charlotte.
A time which recalls, not pleasures some,
But many and varied, which have come to my lot.To the Teachers Assembly all credit is due,
For such acquaintance and such a coincidence.
But the Central Hotel had quite a share too,
By harboring us all with so much confidence.For a few days after the Assembly had closed,
Some lingered around to view the sights,
And take in the city, or do as disposed,
For a very short time, both days and nights.
After walking around, and before we dispersed,
In the cemetery, we chanced to be.
‘Twas there and then, on June the twenty-first,
That I met you, and you met me.Long and anxiously I had waited this chance,
And I now realized that my dreams were true.
For never before, from cottage to house,
Was ever one found, to compare with you.When first I saw thee dressed in pink,
Thy manner and thy beauty pleased me.
The longer I looked, the more did I think
That my ideal was found in thee.Since that time, acquaintance has grown,
And happy have been the hours of adversity.
For in your presence all sorrows have flown,
And cheerful and hopeful we’ve toiled at Liberty.Since first I met thee kind and young,
There shone such truth about thee.
And in thy countenance such promise bring,
I did not dare to doubt thee.
Of thee I think, where’er I be, On thee I’ve still relied,
At times I’ve clung with hope the fonder,
And thought though true to all beside,
From me Gertrude, thou wouldst not wander.Where’er I see those smiling eyes,
So full of hope, and joy, and light,
It seems that no cloud could e’er rise,
To dim a life so pure and bright.When first thy smile, like sunshine, blest my sight,
Oh what a vision there came o’er me.
Long years of love, of calm and pure delight,
Seemed in that smile to pass before me.Ne’er did the poet dream of summer skies,
Of Golden fruit, and harvests springing,
With fonder hope than I, of those sweet eyes,
And of the joy their light was bringing.The days are brighter with thee Gertrude,
The comet appeared in all its splendor,
By my conduct, please don’t think me rude,For I always desire, to true devotion render.
Now for all things, it does take time,
And on this course you seem to insist.
You are right, my dear, I’ve found each time
I like to be with you, and you say that I am missed.Thy life to me is an inspiration
Filled with all that's purest and best.
You doubt me no longer with procrastination
For reason has conquered with earnest bebest.Now as this date shall pass around,
And as other Junes shall pass us by,
I know that in thee, a friend I have found,
On whom I always can rely.All honor and joy to thee this day,
Included both now and throughout the year,
And while others come and go their way,
I am hoping soon, Gertrude, that you’ll be ever near.
Terry D. Sharpe June 12, 1910
With all truth and sincerity, this poem is dedicated to the one he loves.
On November 30, 1910,Terry wrote to Gertrude’s father, Henry Clay Colerider asking for Gertrude’s hand in marriage. A transcript of this five page letter is shown below:
Greensboro, North Carolina
Nov. 30, 1910Mr. H.C. Colerider
My dear Sir: For some time, I have been thinking that I should either write you, or speak to you in person in regard to our plans for Dec 14th. As I have not as yet, I am taking advantage of this opportunity in doing so. In our marriage, I believe that I shall obtain the most priceless treasure which you possess. All my relations with Gertrude have been agreeable and pleasant. To me she has always been an ideal lady. She is a jewel, and I see no reason why we cannot be agreeable, congenial, and happy companions. While it is not my privilege to offer her riches and plenty, I am sure that she understands my position in aspiring to a moral, upright character, and offering her a life of love, devotion, and service. When I look back over my past career, I find, that a great part of my life has been spent in preparation. So I hope that I shall soon have the opportunity to use this to advantage.
Please allow me to express many sincere thanks to you, as well as to your entire family, for your many kindnesses toward me. As the tie which binds us becomes closer and closer, it is more and more my ambition to do my utmost in making life cheerful and happy for your daughter, the pride and joy of your home. Assuring you that it will be a grand privilege to become a member of your household on Dec 14th, I hope to receive your sanction and approval in regard to our marriage, and in fact in regard to all that we shall do. Your esteemed friend, Terry D. Sharpe
Below: Henry Colerider responded, a transcript is also below.
115 Md. Ave. N. E.
Washington D.C.
Dec. 1-1910Mr. T. D. Sharpe
Greensboro N. CMy Dear Sir, Your letter of 30” ult.? rec’d this day and contents carefully noted. Your very high declarations, and esteem for my Daughter-Gertrude is, I assure you highly appreciated, and of a worth it is as you state, she is the pride of our household. When I say this it does not detract one whit from the other members of our household. I want to further state Mr. Sharpe that I trust and pray that you will always regard her as you so frankly set forth --in the purport of your letter to the ? -and Gertrude's Father.-- She is a true and beloved child one that is above reproach and suspicion. I give my consent altho it is hard for me to part with her from our household, and in doing so, I believe you will do your part in caring for her. I just offer this one word of advice be patient and forbear, as she is like us all, human, and not perfection as God does not create--perfection in his children on this earth.
So wishing you abundant success in your aspirations I am with-much interest your true friend.
Henry C. Colerider
In December of 1910, Terry and Gertrude were married. To see the wedding book and learn the details concerning the wedding click here.
Nine months after the wedding took place in Washington, D.C. (10, October 1911), Gertrude gave birth to the first of their four daughters, Gladys Lucile. Alma Elizabeth was born 30 December 1913, Evelyn Terry on 13 February 1916, and Helen Marie on 13 March 1922).
Below Left: Terry and Gertrude. Below Right: Terry with Gladys Lucile.
Below Left: Gertrude and Terry with Gladys Lucile and Baby Alma Elizabeth. Below Right: Terry holds Gladys Lucile and Alma Elizabeth in his lap.
Below Terry pulls Eveyn Terry, Alma Elizabeth, and Gladys Lucie in a sled.
Below: Terry with Gladys Lucile, Evelyn Terry, and Alma Elizabeth.
Before Terry's fourth child, Helen was born, World War I began. Three draft registrations were conducted between 1917 and 1918. The first took place on June 5, 1917 for men between 21 and 31. The second was held on June 5, 1918 for men who had turned 21 after the first registration. The third was held on September 12, 1918 for men between the ages of 18 and 45. Terry would turn 37 one month after this third draft. Below is his registration card.
Below: Terry's draft registration card shows that he lives at 687 Percy Street, in Greensboro, Guilflord County, NC. His age is 36 and his birthdate is October 20, 1881; he is white, a native born U.S. Citizen; he is the Office Manager (F Mags Real) Dept. with Sou Real Estate Company at 112 East Market Street, Greensboro, Guilford, N.C. His Nearest Relative is Gertrude C. Sharpe (Wife) who lives at 687 Percy Street. The card is signed by T. D. Sharpe. The second part of his card states he is of medium height and build with Gray eyes. He has no physical afflictions. The signature is J. H. McAdoo, The date of the card is SEP 12, 1918.
Terry was never called to service in the war.
Below: Terry enjoyed an outing in the lily fields with his daughters and father, Julius (#13). From left to right, the children are Baby Helen, Alma, Lucile, and Evelyn.
Below: The Sharpe’s West Market Street Home in Greensboro, North Carolina.
After the death of his parents, Terry inherited the Sharpe Family home on Sharpe Road where he had been born. Rooms were added to the original home. About 1938, Terry moved his family from their West Market Street home to the Sharpe Farm. He continued working in town but enjoyed raising a horse, cow, chickens and pigs. Also, he raised sugarcane and strawberries. Terry dammed a spring and dug a pond, and he build a log cabin on the property. An African American family lived in the cabin and worked on the farm.
Below: The Sharpe Road Home....[ Note: the entrance to the home had been changed from the original home shown eariler.]
Below: Terry’s straight and electric razors and tie clip.
Below: Gertrude and Terry at the Beach.
Below: Terry and Gertrude later in life on their front porch at Sharpe Road.
Below: Terry and Gertrude with the Frank A. Stiths (friends) at a picnic.
Below: Terry and Gertrude enjoyed the fireplace of their Sharpe Road Home.
Below: Terry rowed the boat with his oldest grandchildren, Mary Lu and Sandra Long.
Below Left: Terry played with Susan Leach, another granddaughter. circa 1948. Below Right: Terry and Gertrude sat with their youngest grandchildren at the time, Lynn and Reed Bumgarner. Note: Ann Leach, their youngest grandchild was not born during their lifetime.
The grandchildren remember their grandfather's and grandmother's dogs, Nelson and Fluffy. The dogs were Samoyeds, large, white dogs with beautiful, long hair. Since they were always outside, the dogs accumulated ticks. Terry used tweezers to pick the ticks off the very sweet dogs. The grandchildren thought it was quite a spectacle as he plucked off the engorged ticks and put them into a small jar of some kind of liquid that would kill them.
Terry suffered three heart attacks and had to cut back on his work in the city. On September 19, 1957, he suffered another heart attack and died at home. His death certificate lists the cause of death as ventricular fibrillation (a severely abnormal heart rhythm) due to myocardial infarction (destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle.... a heart attack. It lists him as having arteroscleroti heart disease for six years. Arteroscleroti heart disease is characterized by thickened and roughened walls of the heart artery and other arteries of the body. The channel inside the artery is narrowed and blood flow to maintain the heart in a satisfactory and well-nourished state is insufficient.
Terry died in the same room in which he was born. The doctor who was at his home at the time of his death was his son-in-law, Dr. John Bumgarner.
Below: Terry's death announcement was in the Columbus, Ohio paper and Greensboro, North Carolina paper.
Many letters of sympathy were sent to the family, and the family responded with the note below.
Helen, Terry's youngest daughter, remembered her father as reading a lot and being a very smart, quiet, and shy man.
Above and Below: Terry's tombstones at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro, North Carolina. (GPS: 36° 7.514 minutes N, 79° 50.651 minutes W.)These photographs were taken on October 2, 2006.
Lifetime Events Summary for Terry Donnell Sharpe:
Contact person for this website is Susan Snyder: susanleachsnyder@gmail.com
